When comparing Sennheiser HD380 Pro vs AKG K553 Pro, the Slant community recommends Sennheiser HD380 Pro for most people. In the question“What are the best over-ear headphones under $200?”Sennheiser HD380 Pro is ranked 4th while AKG K553 Pro is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose Sennheiser HD380 Pro is:

These headphones can easily be brought along while traveling and spending time outdoors thanks to the included carrying case. The solid, clam shell design gives the headphones extra protection from impact and scratches.

Pros

Pro

Clamshell case included

These headphones can easily be brought along while traveling and spending time outdoors thanks to the included carrying case. The solid, clam shell design gives the headphones extra protection from impact and scratches.

Pro

Does not require a powerful amp for optimal sound

The HD380 Pro can produce great sound even paired with low power amps. Some headphones require expensive amps to sound properly, but for these, even entry-level portable amps are sufficient.

Pro

Removable cable

The HD380 Pro is quite portable thanks to the detachable cable. Also, the included cable has a specially designed locking mechanism which prevents it from being detached accidentally.

Pro

Big ear cups that sit well over your ears

The 380s sit well over your ears and do not typically touch them when positioned correctly. This helps make them comfortable as the clamping force is distributed over a wide area, not directly on your ears.

Pro

Can fold to a more compact size

The ear cups of the HD380 Pro can be folded up into the headband. This reduces these headphones' size and footprint, making these much easier to fit inside a bag.

Pro

Good soundstage

These headphones have fairly wide soundstage, despite being closed back.

Pro

Very small amount of leakage

The tight clamp on the 380HD helps create a seal that prevents quite a bit of sound leakage.

Pro

Great sound quality with deep bass and lively highs

These headphones, as far as reference or pro-quality headphones go, are fun sounding. There is a slight boost to the lower frequencies which adds fullness and depth to the bass. The mids are also full-sounding, but there is a peak at the upper mid frequencies which can make guitars in heavy music sound harsh. The highs have good detail to them, but the peak in the top frequencies can also make the sound a bit grainy.

Pro

Blocks a lot of outside sounds

The large ear cups and the strong clamp allow for impressive passive noise cancellation.

Pro

Quite comfortable to wear

The K553 Pro's earpads feature pleather materials which feel supple on the skin. Inside, the quality foam should provide ample cushioning. The headband also features a pleather surface and has some padding, which should help ease the pressure off of your head.

Pro

Produces clean and accurate yet versatile sound

The sound is clear and accurate, and it should be very easy for the listener to pick out the details in the music. The bass level is just right without sounding boomy or muddy. The mids sound natural and neutral so these frequencies do not jump out of the mix. The highs are slightly extended, but do not make the sound harsh in any way.

Pro

Solid build quality and premium feel

These headphones have very good build quality. Solid plastic and durable-feeling plastic is used for most of the headphones' parts. The matte finish adds a softer and more premium feel to the plastic surfaces. The headband is made of metal so it can handle some flex without breaking.

Pro

Great noise isolation qualities

The closed design helps to greatly minimize sound leakage from these headphones. People near you will not hear what you are listening to when using these headphones. Also, the pleather pads allow for a great seal which further helps to minimize sound isolation and block outside noise from interfering with your listening experience.

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Cons

Con

Very strong clamping force

The 380HDs have a very strong clamp. This helps the headphones achieve better sound isolation and minimal sound leak, although some will find the clamp very uncomfortable. Fortunately there are also many who will never notice this at all and find the 380HDs very comfortable.

Con

Earpads may be too small for some

While the ear pads are able to provide ample cushioning, they are quite thin. Large ears may come into contact with the driver housing. This can lead to some discomfort and annoyance, especially when wearing the headphones for long periods of time.

Con

Long, non-detachable headphone cable

You may encounter some hassle when using these headphones due to the cable. While the length is quite good at around 3 meters, the cable can get in the way and can be quite difficult to organize. The cable is also non-detachable, so replacing it can be difficult.

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